|
Forty two emerging leaders from around the Arab world and Europe are set to converge in Abu Dhabi for the Itijah 2012 Venture/ Course that will invite them to work together and develop innovative approaches and solutions to current social challenges.
Organized jointly by UAE-based Emirates Foundation and UK-founded Common Purpose, the event is a testimony to Abu Dhabi’s vision of empowering the youth in the region to play more participatory roles in nation building.
Scheduled to take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC) from April 23 - 26, Itjiah is the second in a series of Ventures organized by Common Purpose, which aims to connect emerging leaders from different cities and regions. Ventures are designed to encourage participants to work in new directions and develop innovative approaches to new and existing problems. The directive purpose of Ventures has inspired the titles of the events, which when translated to their relevant languages means ‘direction’.
Commenting on the initiative, Clare Woodcraft, Chief Executive Officer at Emirates Foundation, said: “A decade ago, issues facing young people tended to be very region or country specific with little commonality. Now in 2012, following a global recession and in our super connected world, young people are facing similar challenges irrespective of their nationality or background. These relate to making the right choices in an increasingly complex world, navigating a sea of opportunity and staying connected to the development process.
“Itijah provides an excellent platform in this respect allowing young people to connect, share ideas, network and collectively develop and advocate solutions rather than simply be the beneficiaries of them. Global recognition that young people have an important role in finding answers to difficult questions – be it around unemployment or education or culture – is increasingly vociferous.”
Woodcraft added: “We are proud to be able to support this recognition and this platform, which highlights the Emirates Foundation’s increased focus and commitment to the youth sector. We are pleased that Abu Dhabi will be the first Arab city to host Itijah.”
Julia Middleton, Chief Executive and Founder, Common Purpose, said: “The Itijah Venture will build on the rich shared history between Europe and the Arab world by fostering new relations among the Arab and European leaders of tomorrow. By creating these personal connections, we hope to encourage the two regions to work closer together to address common challenges and maximise shared opportunities. We are delighted to choose Abu Dhabi as location for the first Itijah Venture and pleased to have Emirates Foundation as our partner.”
This year, the participating emerging leaders have been selected from seven cities: Abu Dhabi, Budapest, Istanbul, Alexandria, Benghazi, Manchester and Amman.
During Itijah 2012, participants will explore themes of leadership, innovation, managing change and collaboration across sectors whilst working within the framework of a common social challenge. The challenge for the 2012 Itijah Venture is: ‘What would it take to multiply the number of young people who create new businesses using ICT and social media?’
Participants will work in small groups, which will allow them to communicate better and learn about the concept of diversity in providing insights and new ideas. In addition to understanding the importance of building bridges between nations, the approach will help them find common ground to work together.
Over a period of four days, the groups will receive guidance from prominent experts and innovators to help them in developing their solutions to the challenge. Over the following year, the participants will present outcomes of the course to an audience of decision makers, journalists and academics across different cities.
Itijah 2012 has been put together with the support of private and public sector organizations, including Shell Middle East, Etihad Airways, Cisco, Shell, Oracle, Newman’s Own Foundation, PwC, and DLA Piper.
Dr. John Barry, Vice-President Technical and Production (MENA) and Abu Dhabi Chairman, Shell, said: “We are proud to sponsor the unique initiative. Nurturing the skills of the youth in four countries in the Arab world and encouraging their interaction with peers in Europe to develop future leaders is an important outcome of Common Purpose and the Emirates Foundation’s Itijah Venture. The event is aligned with Shell’s broader emphasis on human capacity building.
The employable population in the Arab world will show dramatic growth over the next ten years. Given this growing need for opportunities for the youth, the Itijah Venture will play a key role in developing the skills of these emerging leaders.”
Common Purpose is an international, not-for-profit organisation that has been running leadership development courses for over 21 years. The first in the series of Ventures was held in India in 2010. Titled ‘Dishaa’ meaning ‘direction’ in Hindi, the event sought to expand and energize relations between the UK and India.
Established in April 2005, Emirates Foundation is an independent, philanthropic organisation set up by the Abu Dhabi government. Fostering partnerships between government and private sector institutions, Emirates Foundation was conceptualized to develop programs and initiatives that serve the UAE society.
|
New
Review
Abu Dhabi International Airport - 41°F
